Benue State Police Command says it has arrested five Pakistani nationals in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state and recovered 35 mobile phones.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
According to the statement, three of the suspects — Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46 — were arrested on Aug. 4 at Adoka Motor Park in Otukpo Local Government Area while allegedly attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.
The suspects reportedly told the police during preliminary questioning that they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets.
The police, however, said none of the claimed products was found in their possession, prompting further questions about their activities and movements in the area.
In a separate operation on Aug. 5, police arrested two other Pakistani nationals, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, at a hotel in Ugbokolo.
The two suspects reportedly claimed to be dealers in Android phones.
A search of their belongings led to the recovery of 11 Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones, the police said.
Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of 23 additional Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60, bringing the total number of recovered phones to 35.
The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Makurdi, where the police said discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing.
The Command said the investigation was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence, activities and movements within the state.
The police also said it suspected that the phones could have been used as a “decoy” for other activities in rural areas of the state.
However, the suspects have not been charged with any offence, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadio̩gbu, commended the officers involved in the operations as well as members of the public whose information contributed to the arrests.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the police.
The Command said it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across the state.
